Creating a Habit of Gratitude: The Unexpected and Delightful Way to Change Your Brain

Presented by Meagan English | Thursday, 1:00 pm–2:00 pm

When people hear the word “gratitude” it can sometimes invoke incredulousness – how can keeping a gratitude journal make me happier?  What impact can writing a simple thank you note have in the real world?  But science and research reveal that having a strong habit of gratitude can promote not only your mental and social health, but in many cases a habit of gratitude can increase your physical well-being as well.  In this fun and motivational session, we will explore why gratitude really matters, discuss the potential outcomes that come from a habit of gratitude, and dive into several exercises to get your gratitude practice moving forward.

CEUs 1.0 | Register

Behaviors: A Powerful Form of Communication for People Living with Dementia

Presented by Allison Lindauer, PhD, APRN | Thursday, 2:30 pm–3:30 pm

Behavior is a powerful form of communication and is one of the primary ways for people with dementia to communicate their needs and feelings as the ability to use language is lost. However, some behaviors can present real challenges for caregivers to manage. During this session, you will learn how to decode behavioral messages and strategies to help intervene with some of the most common behavioral challenges of Alzheimer’s disease.

CEUs 1.0 | Register

Communication and Conflict: Skills for Critical Conversations

Presented by Meagan English | Thursday, 4:00 pm–5:30 pm

During this session, you will learn how to use critical listening and communication techniques to navigate complex conversations with clients, colleagues and loved ones. This workshop is designed to inspire you to deepen your self-awareness, enhance your communication skills, and empower you to use your individual voice in an effort to share your valuable ideas and lead change and improvement efforts, regardless of your role or care setting in which you serve.

CEUs 1.5 | Register

Exploring the Sacred Journey of Caregiving

Presented by Jenny Sasser, PhD | Friday, 12:30 pm–1:30 pm

In this interactive session we will consider caregiving not only as a crucial role we play, but as a sacred journey of service to others and the larger community. Seen from this view, caregiving offers us a unique opportunity to learn about ourselves and others, and to grow in unexpected ways, especially during times of challenge and uncertainty. In addition to sharing our experiences on the caregiving journey, we will explore some powerful ongoing practices for reflection and renewal along the way.

CEUs 1.0 | Register

Isolated by Alzheimer’s: Understanding and Overcoming the Impact of Loneliness and Depression through Creative Care

Presented by Kera Magarill, MA and Laurel Wonder, MSW | Friday, 2:00 pm–3:00 pm

Social isolation, restricted movement, financial uncertainty, and the threat of illness are just some of the risk factors for loneliness and depression that have heightened during the COVID-19 pandemic. Older adults and individuals living with dementia are particularly susceptible to negative physical and mental health outcomes when risk factors increase. At the best of times, dementia can push caregivers and care recipients into isolation from their loved ones, communities, and life stories. And now, COVID-19 has severely disrupted our world, creating even more barriers to connection. But as Einstein once said, “In the middle of every difficulty, lies opportunity.” During this session, you will learn how creative engagement profoundly changes how we connect with people living with dementia, even from afar. You will also learn how to support the mental wellness of older adults and people living with dementia, despite physical distancing, and how to spot the top warning signs of depression and suicide.

CEUs 1.0 | Register

Building Resilience and Sustaining Well-being During Trying Times

Presented by Meagan English | Friday, 3:30 pm–5:30 pm

During this session, we will examine what risk factors may be present for caregivers, explore the signs and symptoms of chronic stress, compassion fatigue and burnout, and discuss the ideas and strategies for self-care, how to develop resiliency, and the importance of purpose-centered work.

CEUs 2.0 | Register

Meagan English, Executive Coach, Meagan English Coaching

Since 2014, Meagan English has coached and consulted with aspiring and established leaders on behalf of transformational organizations. Meagan is passionate about the power of people and equipping her clients to lead with authenticity and compassion. She is also a best-selling author and facilitates group workshops on a variety of topics including EQ, Leadership Evolution, Purpose and Passion.

Prior to coaching and consulting, Meagan spent more than 15 years working in health care operations. Her executive role and responsibility included business operations, leadership development, and training and mentoring up-and-coming leaders. Meagan’s strengths include positively impacting corporate culture and results, while simultaneously supporting others to perform at their highest capacity.

Allison Lindauer, PhD, APRN, OHSU Layton Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease Center

Allison Lindauer, PhD, APRN, is a nationally-certified gerontological nurse practitioner and scientist. As an assistant professor at OHSU’s Layton Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, she cares for persons with dementia and their caregivers. With over 20 years’ experience in aging care, Dr. Lindauer conducts research on dementia caregiving and telehealth. As the leader of Outreach, Recruitment and Enrollment at the Layton Center, Dr. Lindauer oversees community-based activities and study recruitment. She is a preceptor and mentor for students in health-related studies.

Jenny Sasser, PhD, Portland Community College Gerontology Program

Jenny Sasser, PhD, is an educational gerontologist, scholar, and community activist. She has served in the field of aging for over 30 years in a variety of capacities, including as a family and paid caregiver. She currently serves on the faculty for the Portland Community College Gerontology program, in Portland, Oregon.

Kera Magarill, MA, Washington County Disability, Aging and Veteran Services

Kera Magarill, MA, is an Older Adult Behavioral Specialist with Washington County Disability, Aging and Veteran Services. She has worked to support older adults and caregivers in a variety of residential, care and social service settings for over 18 years.She served as faculty and taught courses in Aging Services at Metropolitan State University and worked for the Alzheimer’s Association’s Colorado Chapter before moving to Oregon to serve in her current role as an Older Adult Behavioral Health Specialist with Washington County.

Kera is passionate about battling the stigma of mental health and dementia in order to create a more age-friendly community. She holds a Masters Degree in Human Services and has received certification in gerontology and dementia and special training in music therapy.

Laurel Wonder, MSW, Older Adult Behavioral Health Initiative

Laurel Wonder, MSW holds a Masters Degree in Social Welfare from University of California, Berkeley. She began her career supporting persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities, who were also impacted by severe mental illness. From this work grew a desire to safeguard the rights of vulnerable persons. Ms. Wonder transitioned to working in Adult Protective Services in Washington and Oregon.

After nearly two decades working for individual clients, Ms. Wonder is pleased to be supporting system improvement through the Older Adult Behavioral Health Initiative. She has a passion for improving program policies to better address the needs of older adults and persons with physical disabilities, as well as providing training to the community. Ms. Wonder has a MSW degree and holds a QMHP in the state of Oregon. Ms. Wonder is a certified facilitator for Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) and several other trainings.